Texas Instruments CC3120MODRNMMOBR

Overview

CC3120MODRNMMOBR from Texas Instruments is a FCC/CE/SRRC-certified Wi-Fi network processor module integrating the CC3120RNMARGK NWP, 32-Mbit SPI flash, 40 MHz and 32.768 kHz crystals, RF filter, and passives in a single LGA package. It delivers dedicated Internet-on-a-chip™ functionality with IPv4/IPv6 TCP/IP stack, 16 BSD sockets (6 TLS), WPA2/WPA3 security, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) for MCU-based IoT edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the CC3120MODRNMMOBR datasheet, CC3120MODRNMMOBR pinout, CC3120MODRNMMOBR application, or CC3120MODRNMMOBR equivalent, key selection considerations include its SPI/UART host interface, 1μA shutdown current, certified regulatory compliance, and offloaded Wi-Fi/Internet protocol stack eliminating MCU-side TCP/IP implementation.

Technical Context

The CC3120MODRNMMOBR implements a dual-processor architecture: a dedicated Arm®-based Wi-Fi network processor handles all WLAN MAC/PHY, TLS/SSL, HTTP(S) server, DNS-SD, mDNS, and DHCP functions independently of the host MCU. Its hardware crypto engine supports 256-bit encryption and secure boot via TI root-of-trust public key.

It operates across three distinct power domains-VBAT1/VBAT2 (2.3V–3.6V), VBAT_RESET (independent reset rail), and RF_BG-and supports four low-power modes: Shutdown (1μA), Hibernate (5μA), LPDS (115μA), and idle-connected (690μA at DTIM=1), with precise brownout detection and factory-reset recovery.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

CC3120MODRNMMOBR uses a 63-pin LGA package (20.5 mm × 17.5 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) with integrated thermal ground pads (Pins 55–63) and dual VBAT rails (Pins 37, 40). The module includes dedicated SPI flash interface (Pins 13–17), host SPI interface (Pins 5–8), UART interface (Pins 44, 46–47, 51), interrupt (Pin 11), hibernate control (Pin 4), and RF antenna terminal (Pin 31).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Wi-Fi network processor applications.

Compared with CC3220MODS, CC3120MODRNMMOBR reduces host MCU complexity but requires an external controller; compared with ESP32-WROOM-32, it delivers out-of-box regulatory compliance and hardened security features-critical for industrial and medical deployments where certification timelines and trust boundaries are non-negotiable.

Availability

CC3120MODRNMMOBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart home gateways, industrial sensor nodes, medical wearables, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and certified Wi-Fi functionality.

Supply support for CC3120MODRNMMOBR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in connectivity, power management, and signal chain technologies.

The CC3120MODRNMMOBR belongs to TI's SimpleLink™ Wi-Fi family-designed specifically to simplify certified, secure, low-power Internet connectivity for resource-constrained MCU-based IoT endpoints.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the CC3120MODRNMMOBR in an embedded system?

The CC3120MODRNMMOBR serves as a standalone Wi-Fi network processor that offloads the entire Wi-Fi stack-including 802.11b/g/n MAC/PHY, IPv4/IPv6 TCP/IP, TLS/SSL, HTTP(S) server, and DNS-SD-from the host MCU. It enables certified, secure, low-power Internet connectivity without requiring the host to implement networking protocols, reducing software development effort and memory footprint. CC3120MODRNMMOBR integrates all necessary components including flash, crystals, and RF filters in a single LGA module.

Does the CC3120MODRNMMOBR support both station and access point modes simultaneously?

No, the CC3120MODRNMMOBR supports station, access point (AP), and Wi-Fi Direct® modes-but not concurrently. It can operate as a station connecting to an upstream AP, or as an AP hosting up to four client stations, or as a Wi-Fi Direct group owner/client. Mode selection is configured at runtime via the SimpleLink driver API. CC3120MODRNMMOBR does not support simultaneous dual-role operation such as STA+AP or AP+Wi-Fi Direct.

What host interfaces does the CC3120MODRNMMOBR provide, and what are their roles?

The CC3120MODRNMMOBR provides one SPI interface (Pins 5–8) and one UART interface (Pins 44, 46–47, 51) for communication with the host MCU. The SPI interface is the primary high-speed path for command/data exchange (up to 20 MHz), while UART serves as a secondary debug/configuration channel. An active-low interrupt pin (Pin 11) signals asynchronous events like socket data arrival or connection status changes. CC3120MODRNMMOBR does not support I2C or USB host interfaces.

How does the CC3120MODRNMMOBR achieve regulatory compliance for global deployment?

The CC3120MODRNMMOBR is pre-certified for FCC (USA), IC (Canada), CE (EU), MIC (Japan), and SRRC (China) radio emissions and immunity requirements, and is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ by the Wi-Fi Alliance. These certifications apply directly to the module itself-meaning end-product integrators avoid costly and time-consuming re-certification if the module is used per TI's mechanical and RF layout guidelines. CC3120MODRNMMOBR also supports certificate transfer for Wi-Fi Alliance members, streamlining branding and interoperability validation.

What power-saving modes are available on the CC3120MODRNMMOBR, and how do they differ?

The CC3120MODRNMMOBR offers four defined low-power states: Shutdown (1 μA, full power removal), Hibernate (5 μA, RTC retained), Low-Power Deep Sleep (LPDS, 115 μA, network state preserved), and Idle Connected (690 μA at DTIM=1). Hibernate retains RTC time but loses network context; LPDS maintains Wi-Fi association and socket state for rapid wake (<100 ms); Idle Connected keeps the radio synchronized to AP beacons. All modes are controlled via the SimpleLink driver API. CC3120MODRNMMOBR does not support dynamic voltage scaling or clock gating beyond these defined states.